East SBV Times

A 17-year-old resident of Hesperia, identified as Aaron James, was involved in a lethal force encounter in Victorville, as reported on April 2, 2024. According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, the incident took place on the 17100 block of Forest Hills Drive.

Deputies from the Victorville Station responded to a call regarding an unwanted subject at a residence. The male suspect, later identified as Aaron James, refused to leave the premises and locked himself in a bathroom. Despite attempts to deescalate the situation, deputies were forced to enter the bathroom where the suspect brandished a knife, injuring one deputy. The situation escalated, resulting in a lethal force encounter where the suspect was struck by gunfire.

The injured deputy received medical treatment and was released from the hospital. Unfortunately, Aaron James was pronounced deceased upon arrival at the hospital. The Specialized Investigations Division of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has taken over the investigation.

The Sheriff-Coroner Department mentioned that the name of the deceased would be released once positive identification is made and the next of kin is notified. For those with information regarding the case, Detective Ian Gosswiller of the Specialized Investigations Division can be contacted at (909) 890-4904. Callers can also choose to remain anonymous by contacting We-Tip at 800-78CRIME or www.wetip.com.

The Sheriff-Coroner Department has made body-worn camera footage and still photos of the incident available for viewing at the following link: https://we.tl/t-W9PGvEMdT9.

The circumstances surrounding the lethal force encounter are currently under investigation, and further updates are awaited as the case progresses.